Thanking a Man With Gratitude

by Dr. Carol Morgan

"A one-time act of thoughtful gratitude produces an immediate 10% increase in happiness and 35% reduction in depressive symptoms that lasts for months," according to the article, "The Essential Link Between Happiness and Gratitude" on Globoforce.com. Since expressing gratitude is so important, it is useful to know how different people like to be thanked. If you are wondering how to thank a special man in your life, there are some ways you can approach him so that he will respond well.

1. Don't Be Overly Emotional

Women are more emotional than men, and so they tend to show their appreciation more easily, according to journalist Margarita Nahapetyan in her article, "Gratitude Expressed Differently By Men And Women," on Enotalone.com. Therefore, it might be difficult to figure out how a man would like to be thanked. Many men think it is not 'manly' to express emotions, so they may feel uncomfortable when other people do. Doing something for him such as making him dinner or cleaning his 'man cave' might be more effective than emotional words or touch.

2. Nurture Him

Thank a man by nurturing him, explains education expert Donnie Smith in her article, "Make Your Man Feel Good: 5 Ways to Show Appreciation to Your Husband." Actions such as massages, compliments or supportive words show your appreciation. Men tend to be action-oriented, so they tend to recognize acts of appreciation more readily.

3. Small Acts of Kindness

Sometimes, men can feel uncomfortable when being thanked, according to the article, "Do Men Have a Harder Time with Gratitude than Women?" on Curiostiy.com. Men sometimes feel that they owe someone something when they are being thanked. Small acts of kindness can be sufficient so that he doesn't feel like he has to do something for you in return. For example, if you buy him an expensive present as a thank-you gift, he may feel obligated to reciprocate. However, if you simply give a nice card or a small memento, he is more likely to be comfortable with your gesture of gratitude.

4. Say 'Thank You'

Whether the man you are thanking is your husband, brother, friend or dad, it is important to make a habit of expressing your gratitude, according to the article, "7 Ways to Show Gratitude to Your Husband," on Familyshare.com. Say thank you every time he does something nice for you. Doing this shows him that you notice everything he does for you, no matter how small the gestures. Everyone likes to be thanked, and sometimes simply uttering the words on a regular basis is enough.